Cullen's Residence: Forks WA

The large barn owl with a blue sash finally found its way to the Vampire's den. It swooped down and dropped a package on top of Jasper's desk. Jasper eyed both the owl and the contents. The owl quickly chose to perch on a corner far away from him. It looked much like a terrified Ambassador. The sash around its neck simply read "NOT YOUR LUNCH". Jasper chuckled beside himself. Who else would send beasts his way? He walked toward the package at an agonizing human pace, so as not to spook the owl. Jasper had received a Hogwarts sealed parchment and box that contained a vial of white liquid.

Hello Jasper,

How was Italy? I hope you had fun. Please be wary of the wrackspurts and grindelows in Forks. They're especially fond of the Skele-grow vials that I've sent you. You can thank Madam Pomfrey (our school's healer) for brewing them. Professor Lupin says it should still be effective in growing your bones (he's my Professor who also says hello).

Luna

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Ravenclaw Tower, Dormitory 9

PS- if you happen to eat my owl, I think it would be hard for you to respond. Although I'd understand.

Cullen Residence: 9 days later

The Cullens were lounging in their spacious living room. Edward sat against the window watching the rain. He was trying to hide a lopsided grin (something that appeared perhaps once every seventy years) He had been bombarded with Jasper's thoughts for the past week. It was rather like watching a comedy show. Jasper; the battle worn ferocious bat from hell-having thoughts like these!

I should probably correspond back. But what to say? More importantly, what do I feed this? Should we share...mice?

After he had written his response to Luna, Jasper's thoughts became particularly louder and drowned out all the others. Edward's lopsided grin turned into a lopsided smile.

"Get a grip on yourself major. You've been through 4 wars and over 45 trenches." Jasper continued his pep-thoughts. He clumsily stuffed the delicious smelling owl into a cage, never allowing himself to indulge in the scent. This is Miss Luna's.

With a final moment, Jasper glared at his vanity mirror, squared his broad shoulders and positioned his chin up high. He marched downstairs to the calvary sounds of "hoot hoot". Jasper was determined to avoid eye contact with anything except the bird.

"Fancy dining huh? Or is that your to-go snack?" Emmett looked up from the floor, wide-eyed and wide smile beginning to form.

"Jasper has a penpal from Scotland. They communicate through beasts." Alice deliberately threw him under the bus. She had seen his future back in Italy, which is why she hadn't chased him into the Forest. Alice was so annoyed with the whole "friendship" (yeah right) thing. She swore to let a century slide before she'd speak to Jasper. She shot the owl a glare and quickly covered her face with the latest copy of Vogue.

Rosalie's eyes flicked at the bird, flicked at Jasper, and narrowed in disgust. She folded her arms, crossed her legs, and drew herself further into the recliner. Rosalie refused to acknowledge the absurdity of it all.

Everything was suddenly drowned out by Emmett's booming laughter. He immediately sprang to his feet and placed himself by Jasper's side. Emmett looked like an excited child that wanted to paw at his mummy's present.

"Let me see!" Emmett's white teeth exposed themselves.

Jasper immediately crouched down and let out a low predatory growl, causing the owl to frantically flop around in its cage. Emmett froze, then after another moment laughed even harder.

"Okay sergeant major corporal sir! The bird is yours!" Emette backed away with his large hands in the air. He sat back on the floor and mumbled to Rosalie "I just wanted to see the notes it was carrying!"

Emmett winked at an irritated Jasper. Carlisle placed his hand around an amused Esme's waist. They didn't say it out loud, but they couldn't be prouder of Jasper. Edward thought the same way.

Dear Miss Luna,

Thank you kindly for your hospitality during my stay in Scotland. I am sorry we met under uncomfortable circumstances. The Skelegrow was mildly uncomfortable, but mended my shoulder well. I also took precaution against those foreign beasts you've mentioned in your letter. I suspect they retain their uncanny ability to hide from a Vampire's senses.

I'm uncertain of how much your owl can carry. I transcribed a few pages of my favorite book. I thought you might enjoy it.

Your friend,

Jasper W. Hale

P.S. All of your birds will remain unharmed- on my honor. If you should ever need anything, I'll still be around (for quite a long time).

Hogwarts.

Christmas Day

Luna was one of the countless students to stay at Hogwarts for the holidays. They were 7th years, and it would be their last chance to celebrate together. The end of the Wizarding War brought all the houses closer. It simply made sense for everyone to gather at Hogwarts as one big family. And so the four houses of Hogwarts celebrated feasts and gift giving in the restored Great Hall.

Luna knew that Hermione permanently oblivated her parents. Hermione was like Neville now. They both had parents that were gone forever, but still around. In the spirit of something "extra", Luna decided give Hermione and Neville presents they might truly love.

So when the day came, Luna sat next to Hermione as she opened the blue and silver box with bright orange paperwrapping. It wasn't a book, like Hermione expected. Luna's gift was a collection of letters. A manuscript of sorts. Hermione eyed over a hundred pages written in the most beautiful handwriting. Her eyes widened when she realized what it was.

"Oh Luna! A Midsummer Night's dream! Oh! And Romeo & Juliet! Did you transcribe this all by yourself?" Hermione spluttered, tears in her eyes. Hermione had been so separated from the muggle world. She abandoned her muggle books and parents when she abandoned her identity, during the war. Something this sweet, this personalized, was a gift for the centuries.

Hermione gripped Luna into a tight embrace and whispered "I love it. I absolutely love it"

When Hermione finally released Luna from her embrace, she began to inquire: "How, what, when? I hadn't known you knew Shakespeare!"

"Oh. I don't know Shakespeare. But I do know Jasper." Luna simply smiled.

Hermione wiped her tears. She hadn't known of any Jasper. Was he a first year or someone she'd met during the war? Hermione's curiosity would not quell and so she pushed her Ravenclaw friend.

"Is he your boyfriend?" Hermione teased. Her grin disappeared into a look of excitement when Luna didn't respond. Luna allowed Hermione's question to mingle with the silence in the air. It was nice sometimes, to have unanswered questions. Her gray eyes slowly settled on the gift on Hermione's lap.

"Well, Jasper is gone forever. But he's still around." Luna answered, but didn't really answer.

"And that's all that matters, right?" she smiled. She skipped away, leaving Hermione to her thoughts.

Gone forever, but still around, Hermione mulled over Luna's answer. It somehow gave Hermione the oddest warm feeling; like Crookshanks had given her a hug and ice cream. Hermione decided to share these letters with her new boyfriend, who would undoubtedly be more interested in the Christmas ham. If that failed, she'd convince Harry to read a few lines with her. Hermione always had a backup plan.

Luna closed her eyes and listened at the sounds around her. It was something she observed Jasper doing when she first saw him in the forest. She saw him, leaning against the trees as if he were a part of nature itself.

She smiled and mused to herself: Happy Christmas, Jasper Hale. I do hope you remember to stay happy.

Luna Lovegood opened her gray eyes.

There he was; an entertaining Neville right in front of her. He sat a few tables away, awkwardly watering some Gillyweeds he'd brought in from the snow. The water was overflowing. One might never guess that this boy could yield the sword of Gryffindor.

Luna watched Neville juggle his plants, which were quickly slipping off the tables from all the water. He's rather kind Luna smiled as she skipped toward him. She pointed her wand directly above Neville's head with unnerving precision. Neville was about recieve a very special holiday gift from the angelic Ravenclaw. And this gift would permanently cement his undying love for plants.

Forks WA

Christmas day

Edward had no gifts for Jasper this Christmas. Existing together for 627 years placed the Cullens at a disadvantage. Decades all seemed the same, much-less days. Nevertheless, Edward was completely stunned to discover that thoughts could travel through oceans! It was a rather timely and perfect gift.

So on Christmas morning Edward popped his head into Jasper's room. "Jasper. I have just received a message from your friend" Edward grinned.

Jasper Hale opened his golden eyes.

Jasper felt Luna, even before Edward could catch a single thought. He felt more than just the thoughts. It was more than just that. Jasper looked out into the rain, as if he saw raindrops falling for the first time. Forever, indeed.

-FIN-

[epic epilogue next chapter!]